Birmingham Public Library Blog

  East Ensley Branch Library 60th Anniversary Ceremony 📅  When:  Friday, September 12, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 📍  Where:  900 14th St., Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218-1206 📞  Phone:  (205) 787-1928 East Ensley Branch Library Celebrates 60 Years of Service The Birmingham Public Library is proud to celebrate a special milestone: the 60th anniversary of the East Ensley Branch Library. The community is invited to join us at East Ensley Branch on Friday, September 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a birthday celebration honoring six decades of history, service, and community impact. A Legacy of Learning and Community When the East Ensley Branch Library opened its doors in  1965 , it was built to serve students at Moore Elementary School, Councill Elementary School, Western-Olin High School, and the surrounding neighborhood. Though   Councill and Moore Elementary have since closed, and Western-Olin High is now known as Ja...

"Fund My Business" is a Free Three-Session Online Course That Helps Small Business Owners  Explore Financing Options Whether you’re dreaming of starting a business or ready to take your current venture to the next level, access to funding is often the biggest hurdle. The good news: the Birmingham Public Library is here to help. Fund My Business , a free three-part virtual program presented by Centro Community Partners (Centro) , is designed to give entrepreneurs the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to secure financing. From microloans to crowdfunding, Centro’s experienced instructors will walk you through the different options available and help you decide what works best for your goals. 📅 When: Tuesdays, September 16, 23, and 30, 2025 🕕 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Central 💻 Where: Virtual via Zoom (link provided upon registration) Registration is required. Complete the online registration form at this address: https://centrocommunity.tfaforms.net/218 Founde...

  As the nation prepares to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Birmingham Public Library is joining communities across the country in honoring the memory of those lost and the heroes who responded. Two BPL branches, Titusville and East Lake, will host free, hands-on programs on Thursday, September 11, 2025, offering creative and meaningful ways for the public to reflect, remember, and pay tribute. Patriot Day Art Activity – Titusville Branch Library 📅 Thursday, September 11, 2025 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 📍 2 6th Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211 Children and families are invited to take part in a simple art activity honoring Patriot Day. Participants will use cardstock and glue to create a 9/11 remembrance craft. 📞 More info: Contact Branch Manager Reba Williams-Patton at (205) 322-1140 or reba.williams@cobpl.org Memorial Altar Box Craft Workshop – East Lake Branch Library 📅 Thursday, September 11, 2025 | 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. 📍 5...

📅 Hog Heaven: A History of Alabama Barbecue What: A talk exploring the history of Alabama barbecue and its ties to politics, culture, and identity, led by Dr. Mark A. Johnson. When: Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Where: Create205 Lab, 2nd Floor, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Contact: Catherine Oseas, Head of the BPL Department of Archives | 📧 catherine.oseas@cobpl.org | 📞 205-226-3630 Did you know there’s a powerful tie between Alabama’s legendary barbecue and the politics and cultural identity of the state? On Saturday, September 13 , the Birmingham Public Library Department of Archives & Manuscripts will explore that connection by hosting Hog Heaven: A Brief History of Alabama Barbecue. This engaging discussion, led by Dr. Mark A. Johnson , a history professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, will take place from 11:00 a.m. until noon in the Create205 Lab, 2nd floor at 2100 Park Place. When most people think of Alabam...

What’s Happening at BPL – September 8–13, 2025 The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) continues to prove that we’re more than just books. With 18 locations across the city, BPL offers programs that inspire creativity, encourage lifelong learning, and bring people together. Each week, patrons of all ages can find opportunities to learn, connect, and discover something new. From crafts and cultural experiences to wellness workshops and music, there’s something for everyone at your library. This week’s Beyond Books spotlight features pumpkin painting at East Ensley Branch; health and stress reduction programs at Smithfield Branch and North Birmingham Regional Library; a memorial altar craft workshop at East Lake Branch. Plus a special treat for barbecue lovers:  Central Library events for barbecue lovers: a Books, Blues & BBQ concert on Friday and a talk about the history of Alabama barbecue on Saturday. Here’s your guide to featured programs happening Mon...

Explore What’s Happening at BPL – September 2-6, 2025 The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) continues to offer exciting programs that go far   beyond books .  With 18 library locations across the city, patrons can always find opportunities to learn, create and connect. Each week, BPL hosts activities that support our mission of providing the highest quality experience for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. This week’s Beyond Books spotlight includes  our monthly Self-Care Mastermind series, a live cooking demo at Five Points West Regional Library, quilting at Springville Road Library , the season’s final Bards & Brews poetry slam at the Central Library, and a free workshop on designing and maintaining your own native garden. Here’s your guide to featured programs happening Tuesday through Saturday, September 2–6, 2025. 📅 Weekly Highlights Off the Hook Crochet 🧶 Tuesday, September 2 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Smithfield Branch Library Wan...

What: BPL’s 3rd and Final Bards & Brews Poetry Slam of 2025 When: Friday, September 5, 2025 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. (on-site registration opens at 6:00 p.m.) Where: Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203 Details:  Join host Thed Weller as 10 spoken word poets battle it out for $350 in cash prizes ($200 1st place, $100 2nd, $50 3rd). Entertainment will be provided by featured musical artist Nina Chanel . A $5 entry fee is required for competing poets (first 10 to register on-site). Admission is free to the public . Ages 18+ to enter ; must be 21+ with valid ID to drink. Sponsors: Bards & Brews is presented by the Birmingham Public Library, supported by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library . Birmingham, Ala. - The Birmingham Public Library invites you to experience the magic of spoken word as Bards & Brews hosts its third and final poetry slam of 2025 at the Central Library downto...

✈️ Don’t have a STAR ID yet? You’re not alone. But don't worry: there’s a smart alternative right here in Birmingham - the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) . At BPL’s Central Library , Avondale Regional , and Springville Road Regional Library , our friendly staff can guide you through the passport application process quickly and easily. Many Alabama travelers are finding that a U.S. passport offers more flexibility and peace of mind than a STAR ID. Whether you’re planning an international trip, flying to visit family, or simply want a trusted federal ID, getting your passport at BPL is convenient, family‑friendly, and stress‑free. Passports are especially useful for seniors, students, and first‑time travelers. ✈️ Why choose a passport over a STAR ID? 🌍 Passport vs. STAR ID A passport keeps you travel‑ready and is accepted nationwide for: ✅ Domestic Flights ✅ Federal Buildings ✅ International Travel   ✔️ Nationwide Acceptance A passport isn’t limited to domestic flights. I...

  Above are examples of what the 3D printed lamps created at North Birmingham Library will look like. At the North Birmingham Regional Library, we’re shining a new light on creativity - literally! Our new  3D Printed Lamp Program gives patrons the chance to design unique lamps that showcase their favorite memories. This hands-on program is divided into two sessions: Part 1: Held on August 13, where participants learned about the 3D printing process and picked out the frame colors for their custom lamps.  Part 2: Coming up on Tuesday, September 10 , when we’ll put it all together and bring those lamps to life. Each lamp is more than just a craft; it’s a keepsake. By adding cherished photos or designs, participants create a one-of-a-kind piece they can treasure for years to come. Patrons loved the first session and were fascinated by the possibilities of 3D printing. We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to keep exploring this technology in future proje...

  Explore What’s Happening at BPL – August 25–29, 2025 The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) continues to offer exciting programs that go way  beyond books. With 18 library locations across the city, there's always something to learn, discover, or enjoy for patrons of all ages, activities that meet our mission to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and enjoyment.  This week’s Beyond Books spotlight features a craft program by the Birmingham Museum of Art at East Lake Branch, a Grow With Google workshop at the Central Library, Play Create & Imagine Lab at North Avondale Branch, and more. Here’s your guide to this week’s featured programs happening Monday through Friday. 📅 Weekly Highlights August 25–29 Coding Club 🕒 Monday, August 25 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | North Avondale Branch Library Learn coding basics through fun projects on Scratch, experiment with binary coding, and even make binary “ch...

🥂 🎉   Countdown to Magic City Classic Week: Your 2025 Planning Guide Starts Here at BPL 🥂 🎉 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2025 Magic City Classic may seem far off, but seasoned fans know the time to start planning is now. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-timer, early prep can make the difference between scrambling and celebrating.  The Birmingham Public Library has your back as we gear up for the biggest HBCU football rivalry in the nation! From booking hotels and picking outfits to planning family reunions and finding the best food and pub spots, we’ve got your Classic Week checklist ready to roll. 🎟️ And don’t forget: It all starts with our official kickoff party , Classic Cocktails ,  on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Central Library downtown. ✅ 10 Ways to Prep for Magic City Classic Week 1. Add Classic Cocktails to Your Calendar Kick off your Classic Week in style at Classic Cocktails, a high-energy evening of drinks, music, tailgate food, and good...

  🥂   🎉 Magic City Classic Countdown! 🎉 🥂   We’re getting ready for the biggest week in Birmingham, and we want to know where YOU stand! How early do you start prepping for Magic City Classic Week? Are you the one who’s had your tickets and outfits ready for weeks? Or are you a person who thrives on last-minute energy? 👇 Vote in our Classic Cocktails Prep Poll below and let us know!   👇 1️⃣ When do you buy your game tickets? Already got mine! A month or two out Last minute (no judgment) 2️⃣ When do you shop for your Classic gear? Months in advance! Gotta stay fresh! A few weeks before Week of the game! 3️⃣ Do you have a family reunion planned that weekend? Yes! It's a tradition Not this year, but maybe next No reunion, just vibes 4️⃣ When do you book your hotel? As soon as dates drop A few weeks out I’m staying with family/friends 5️⃣ What are you most excited about? The game Classic Cocktails (only...